May 28, 2026
How far are you willing to go when you stop limiting yourself?
That is one of the questions explored in the new book, Unlock Your Full Potential with a Growth Mindset, by Elena Jurasaite-O’Keefe, Ph.D., an Associate Clinical Professor of Curriculum and Instruction in The School of Education at St. John’s University.
Dr. Jurasaite-O’Keefe has spent more than three decades studying how people learn and grow across different cultures and educational settings. “What fascinates me the most is the remarkable way our brains adapt and strengthen through challenge—a discovery supported by decades of neuroscience research,” she said.
Dr. Jurasaite-O’Keefe believes that our brain isn’t fixed; it’s constantly evolving, forming new brain connections every time you practice, struggle, and learn. Her book illustrates these concepts using the latest research in neuroscience and psychology, combined with real stories from teenagers. It is not just about positive thinking or viewing challenges as opportunities to improve; instead, the book focuses on developing practical tools to transform how we approach learning and growth.
Dr. Jurasaite-O’Keefe shows teens how they can place themselves in the driver’s seat of their lives. She offers practical strategies to offset negative thinking and self-regulate to personal and academic success.
“While a valuable guide for teenagers, this book can also be an important tool for school advisory programs, school counselors, college readiness programs, teachers, and parents,” said Mary Beth Schaefer, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Adolescent Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at St. John’s.